Anya Bykova - Raised by Art

Born and raised in the ravishing Chelyabinsk, Russia, Anya Bykova had a deep appreciation for performing arts at a young age. She recalls loving the sight of the audience as she stood center stage. A rare experience for a little girl to enjoy, but nonetheless Bykova was hooked!

Anya Bykova

As the daughter of two doctors, and having a brother who was a great role model throughout her life, Bykova says to be awfully “blessed to have been raised in such a loving, devotional and supportive environment.”

Anya Bykova

Having inherited much of her passion for the arts from her grandmother— a well known artist and fashion designer in Chelyabinsk—taught Bykova all about the family business and enriched her life with fashion, art, production and modeling. She even went as far as to model for her grandmother’s kid’s collection compensated with chocolate and candy, every kid’s dream come true!

Anya Bykova

Although acting and modeling became a focal point in her career, Bykova later earned a bachelor’s degree in Diplomacy and International Relations with a minor in Russian-English translation in one of the country’s most respected colleges, South Ural State University.

Anya Bykova

Bykova continued to undergo training for not only her acting and modeling but also began taking vocal, dance, gymnastics, and improv classes. She was trained by some of the best instructors including a European champion who coached her acrobatics and gymnastics courses.

Anya Bykova

While on a trip to San Francisco in 2007 she was mesmerized by the magnificent city and returned a year later to settle in the bay area.

While living in San Francisco Bykova furthered her modeling by taking part in fashion shows and photo shoots. She also acted in short independent films, longer feature films, commercials and live shows. Her work in the films, Dragon Medal and The Law helped improve her acting abilities.

Anya Bykova

“The scenes (in those films) were really emotional, long and intense,” said Bykova. “Those projects helped me become a stronger actor.”

In 2013 Bykova made the move to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of acting.

"As funny as it sounds, I honestly do believe that the American dream is still alive," Bykova said. "I see proof of it every day. I cannot tell you how many times the things that I have been dreaming about in the past, things that people told me were impossible, have already happened to me."